Patents by Inventor Larry L. Birch

Larry L. Birch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6665987
    Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to coat exposed surfaces or to completely encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Eve, Larry L. Birch
  • Publication number: 20020189177
    Abstract: A staircase construction is provided which may incorporate an integral heating assembly. The heating assembly is mounted within stair tread covers or repair members which may also be used to repair a damaged staircase. The staircase construction may further incorporate stair tread members of various configurations for attachment to standard stringers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: John S. Eve, Larry L. Birch
  • Patent number: 6438909
    Abstract: A heating assembly is provided which includes a metal stair tread member having an upper horizontal surface and a bottom surface for mounting on a stair tread of a staircase. A strip heating element is attached to the bottom surface of the stair tread member. A first covering of synthetic material encapsulates the horizontal surface of the metal stair tread member and the strip heating element on bottom surface of the stair tread member. The strip heating element is contiguous with the bottom surface and is attached thereto by a gasket extending around the peripheral edge of the strip heating element. A thermostat is electrically connected to the strip heater and to a power source for selectively supplying electric current to the strip heater in response to changes ambient temperatures. A temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with the thermostat wherein the thermostat selectively supplies the current to the strip heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve
  • Publication number: 20020029532
    Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to coat exposed surfaces or to completely encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: John S. Eve, Larry L. Birch
  • Patent number: 6318033
    Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve
  • Publication number: 20010000841
    Abstract: A heating assembly is provided which includes a metal stair tread member having an upper horizontal surface and a bottom surface for mounting on a stair tread of a staircase. A strip heating element is attached to the bottom surface of the stair tread member. A first covering of synthetic material encapsulates the horizontal surface of the metal stair tread member and the strip heating element on bottom surface of the stair tread member. The strip heating element is contiguous with the bottom surface and is attached thereto by a gasket extending around the peripheral edge of the strip heating element. A thermostat is electrically connected to the strip heater and to a power source for selectively supplying electric current to the strip heater in response to changes ambient temperatures. A temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with the thermostat wherein the thermostat selectively supplies the current to the strip heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve